New York Workforce Development Grants

The Community Economic Development (CED) Planning Grants program, forecasted under the new NOFO HHS-2024-ACF-OCS-EE-0152, is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services (OCS). OCS plans to award approximately $1.5 million in discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDCs). The fundamental objective is to stimulate the development of new CED projects by providing crucial financial assistance for administrative capacity building within these CDCs. This initiative directly aligns with OCS's core mission to reduce poverty and catalyze economic growth in local communities by facilitating social and revenue reinvestment, laying the groundwork for sustainable community self-sufficiency. The direct beneficiaries of this funding are Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that serve under-resourced, underserved, and persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of these target communities, including those with low incomes in both urban and rural settings. The immediate impact goal is to strengthen the administrative and planning capacity of CDCs that have historically struggled to put forth a viable CED project. The broader impact goals include stimulating the creation of new, viable CED projects, fostering localized economic growth, and ultimately reducing poverty through comprehensive community support and reinvestment. OCS has established three key strategic priorities for this funding opportunity, centering the approach on equity. The first priority aligns the grants with national climate and equity initiatives, specifically Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and the Justice40 Initiative, by underscoring funding support for energy communities. The second focus is on increasing equity in the geographic distribution of CED funds, ensuring resources reach areas previously overlooked, as mandated by the CED statute. Finally, the third priority emphasizes breaking down service silos by encouraging CDCs to leverage existing partnerships across OCS programs, thereby promoting a holistic, wraparound services model to address poverty. The strategic priority and theory of change for OCS is rooted in the belief that administrative capacity is the critical barrier to entry for effective community-led development in high-poverty areas. By providing financial assistance for capacity building, the awards serve as a crucial step to connect CDCs with the larger CED resources required for impactful social and revenue reinvestment. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of CDCs capable of developing fundable projects, leading to the stimulation of new CED projects in persistent high-poverty areas. Measurable results will focus on the successful leveraging of the initial administrative capacity building funds into tangible new projects, demonstrating a clear path from planning support to demonstrable local economic growth and sustainable poverty reduction.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in New York to develop infrastructure projects that improve food access and resilience in underserved communities.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Lewis County, NY, by providing financial assistance for creative projects that enhance their visibility in the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and event organizers in Cattaraugus County to create tourism-driven events and attractions that encourage visitors to explore the area.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Onondaga County that provide essential services and programs to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, including low-income families and children, by addressing critical community needs.

This program provides funding to organizations that assist socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and very small businesses in New York in becoming ready for venture capital investment.

This initiative provides up to $5 million to investment fund managers focused on supporting diverse entrepreneurs, promoting economic mobility, and driving innovation in New York City, with a commitment to local impact and job creation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to deliver training and education programs that enhance workplace safety and health across New York State.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations in New York State to hire vocational rehabilitation counselors who will assist individuals in treatment or recovery from substance use disorders in finding and maintaining employment.

This grant provides financial support to innovative New Yorkers with bold ideas aimed at creating positive change in their communities across the five boroughs.

This fellowship provides financial support and professional development opportunities for early-career Asian American musicians in New York City to create impactful work within their community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New York City that focus on improving the lives and self-sufficiency of low-income women and children, particularly through job training and placement programs.

This funding provides $3,000 to emerging individual artists and artist collectives based in Queens, New York, to support the creation of new artistic projects across various disciplines.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer hands-on STEAM training and paid summer internships for teens aged 16-19 from low-income areas, in partnership with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in New York State to implement training programs that improve workplace safety and reduce occupational hazards.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Cayuga County that provide programs focused on youth development, financial stability, health and wellness, and community resilience for local residents.

This grant provides funding for a qualified organization to operate and enhance a digital training platform that supports the professional development of peer support specialists in New York.

This program provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations in New York City to support young artists from underrepresented backgrounds through fellowships that include financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides $1 million to organizations that support employment access and equity for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals by offering tailored educational and vocational training programs.